beneficial introduction of ELN solutions. in ways that complement rather than which is for sure also a driving force for
This provides a demonstrable ROI for all compete with ELNs. We see such other introducing a research-related ELN. But
elements of the business. Beaulah at IDBS systems used primarily where quick posting nowadays there are also ELNs on the
Go beyond the
books
agrees with this, saying: ‘It is IDBS’ vision and viewing to a website is desired, market that focus on the highly specialised
E
that electronic lab data is no longer a and where compliant records creation workflows of analytical labs. These labs are
static entity that is stored away and never and management is not. This includes challenged by the integration of the various everyday.
ot
EVERY DAY.
lab systems as LIMS, instrument software,
n
accessed again, but becomes a driving lab meetings, general notes, schedules
force behind effective decision-making, and calendars, general knowledge bases resource management systems, and data
improved disease understanding, and for lab procedures, and management management systems into their laboratory
enhancements to process and automation. of documents that are not used in lab workflow. The more you want the ELN to
tory Companies are able to effectively search notebooks or primary data.’ be embedded in your analytical process,
a
and re-use their data, but more than that, Trish Meek, director of product strategy, the more you have to rely on a specialised
they can capture and automate their life sciences and informatics, for Thermo tool that is able to support the entire
business rules for QA, data capture and Fisher Scientific, says: ‘LIMS continues business logic behind the analytical process.
Symyx Notebook
abor report generation, significantly improving to be the laboratory backbone driving Instead of being a mutual threat, you
l
The Freedom to Experiment.
efficiency. In support of this, a number of laboratory processes, while ELNs enable could rather think of it as an integration
customers have already integrated ELNs scientists to capture the context of between the ELN and the information
with SharePoint to allow users to drill their experiments and procedures. Tools sharing services, where the ELN focuses Whether it’s on the trail or in the
down into the actual experimental data like SharePoint, wikis and blogs also on the test execution and the information lab, you want the freedom to
from project-based reports. This ensures have their place for sharing documents, management system could be leveraged in take new approaches, routes, and
ctronic
project teams get immediate and direct joining communities and giving an outlet the review and approval procedure.’ paths to your goals. That’s why
E
access to full experimental data in context, for the editorial voice of scientists.’ McCarthy, for Symyx, concludes: ‘So there’s Symyx Notebook. It’s the
but as part of a project reporting/decision- Nonetheless, Thermo Fisher Scientific the point is, if your view of the ELN only electronic laboratory notebook
El
making environment.’ has taken a slightly different approach, is simply turning paper into electronic that can be deployed across the
Conversely, John Trigg, an independent and has partnered with Symyx to provide media and supporting collaboration, then enterprise in multiple scientific
informatics consultant at Phasefour customers with the best of both worlds: you certainly would be threatened by disciplines. With Symyx Notebook,
Informatics, comments: ‘I get the a document management system based SharePoint, wikis and blogs. However, to research teams share a single
impression that ELN vendors typically see on the SharePoint platform that supports us the ELN is much more than that – it application to document, work,
their role as providing rich functionality to complex review and approval processes is part of an electronic lab environment, collaborate, and speed the
support specific scientific disciplines; the on top of SharePoint’s existing document which includes designing, executing experimentation workflow.
“collaboration” tools offer a more generic sharing and collaboration capabilities. and analysing the experiments; but and
Symyx Notebook streamlines
approach.’ However, Aaron Norman, VP Meek continues: ‘The ELN is required more importantly, being able to mine
the capture of all experimental
I&S for Kinematik, disagrees, saying: ‘Our to include scientific pertinence and that data to gain new insights, such
information and intellectual ideas.
R&D management company has always organise the experiments along concepts as optimal synthetic routes and active
Everyday tasks such as data capture
compounds with good drug safety. We
and note taking are optimized and
‘ELNS wiLL havE a widEr accEptaNcE
embrace SharePoint as part of an overall
automated. All of which gives you
decision support environment that
iN thE NEar futurE’
the time and freedom you need
supports the electronic lab environment
to experiment—and get back to
and are not threatened by it. As such, we
doing science.
realised the importance of information that allow present and future researchers do not find these tools threatening, but
sharing services, content management, meaningful access to relevant contextual complementary to the role of the ELN.’
To learn more, visit
wikis and blogs, and we believe that ELN data, observations, and interpretations. Therefore, it can be said that if
www.symyx.com/notebook6
vendors should provide a fully integrated, The reality is that SharePoint, LIMS integrated with other laboratory
comprehensive system that offers one and ELNs are complementary tools for information systems, ELNs will also
To attend a free webinar, go to
central repository for data.’ Melissa laboratory automation and scientific provide the capability to directly drill
www.symyx.com/webinars
Gebauer, marketing manager at Rescentris, collaboration.’ down to hard data, such as compound
also comments on how ELN vendors are The interchange of information forms registration, biological assay, drug safety
responding to sharing services such as the basis of all organisational activity, measurements and pharmaceutical tests.
Microsoft SharePoint and other similar and without a doubt, ELNs are an Developing an information architecture
tools: ‘We do see customers and prospects important part of laboratory operations that supports the complete spectrum of
using all the kinds of information sharing that streamline the product development data will ensure proper interface between
approaches mentioned, and some do have process and provide a common foundation ELNs and other systems. The increased
questions as to how much these extend to support the information. Thomas acceptance of ELN technology, combined
or cover the ground of an ELN. However, Schmidt, senior product manager with the maturing of R&D computing
© 2010 Symyx is a registered trademark
in our experiences, most recognise that of informatics at Waters, concurs: environment in the pharmaceutical
of Symyx Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.
these other systems do offer value for ‘Information sharing services address industry, suggests that ELNs will have a
24
managing their research – but largely primarily the collaboration question, wider acceptance in the near future.
LIG10 pp22-25 ELNs.indd 24 19/11/09 11:04:23
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